Answer
In Romans 8:24, the apostle Paul writes, “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?” (ESV). Here, Paul captures the eschatological tension between our present salvation and the future hope that awaits us in heavenly bliss.
To fully understand that “hope that is seen is not hope,” we must grasp both the “already” and “not yet” aspects of salvation. In Romans 8:24, Paul begins, “For in this hope we were saved,” pointing to the “already” aspect of salvation—what has already taken place for those who have placed their faith in Christ. Salvation includes the following blessings, already realized in the life of a believer:
Justification: Believers have been declared righteous in the sight of God through faith in Christ (Romans 5:1). As a result, their sins have been forgiven and they now have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Regeneration: Believers are spiritually reborn (John 3:3–6) and therefore a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). They have also received the Holy Spirit who dwells within, conforming them into the image of Christ (Romans 8:9, 29).
Adoption: Believers have been adopted into God’s family and are now children of God (John 1:12–13; Romans 8:15). Consequently, they have become “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17).
Eternal Security: Believers are eternally secure, and nothing in heaven or on earth can separate them from the love of God in Christ (Romans 8:38–39; cf. John 10:28–30).
The second clause in Romans 8:24 introduces the tension: “Now hope that is seen is not hope” (ESV). This statement emphasizes the fundamental difference between hope and sight. When something is seen, it is no longer a matter of hope since it becomes a present reality. For this reason, Paul declares that our future hope is not grounded in sight but in the irrevocable promises of God, who will finish what He started (see Philippians 1:6).
So, what is the “not yet” aspect of salvation—the part of salvation that we still look forward to?
Glorification: Although believers have been justified and regenerated, they still await the future event of glorification. In the future, God will exchange our corruptible bodies for incorruptible, glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:35–49). On that day, we will be fully conformed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).
Cosmic Redemption: All creation is awaiting the day that it will be liberated from decay and suffering, which is another part of the “not yet” aspect of God’s salvation (Romans 8:19–22).
Perfect Sanctification: At present, believers continue to wrestle with sin and the “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12, ESV). Although the Holy Spirit continues to grow us in holiness and sanctification, the process will not be completed until we are removed from the presence of sin (Philippians 1:6).
Full Inheritance: Although believers are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), they have not yet received the fulness of their inheritance in Christ: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT).
Romans 8:24 reminds us that, while we have already received the initial blessings of salvation, we eagerly await the complete fulfillment of our future hope. As we wait, let us remain faithful and hopeful, knowing that the best is yet to come: “Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5, ESV).
